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Teen in warehouse of clothing store modeling a skirt

Sammy’s Success in Preparing for Employment

At 18, Samantha loves her Marshalls internship, where Easterseals support helps her gain independence and confidence.

Sammy

For someone with her flair for fashion, 18-year-old Samantha has the perfect job.

Early in her senior year at Marlborough High School, Sammy landed an after-school internship at a nearby Marshalls store, helping to prepare merchandise for display.  She got the job through the combined efforts of the Marshalls Work Experience program and Easterseals Youth Transition Services.

Although she can hear, Sammy’s disability has left her unable to speak.  She communicates using American Sign Language and phrases she programs into her iPhone.  She leads a busy life, including volunteer work and riding lessons at a stable in Acton, but social situations can be challenging. 

Easterseals Youth Transition Counselor Ann McWade found the job for Sammy and is at her side as she works.  They have bonded over a shared a love of fashion or, as Sammy’s mother, Ruane, says, “Every day is Christmas for those two!”

“Sammy is such a pleasant, lovely girl,” Ann said.  “She does a good job.  She doesn’t take breaks, and she’s always happy to be at work and to do whatever her managers ask.”

“Her managers make her feel that she’s needed and valued,” Sammy’s mother, Ruane, added.

Teen with parents at work with 2 members of staff smiling at camera

“At work, people don’t look at her as a person with a disability.  They look at her as an employee.  She feels such a sense of belonging – that she can work at something she’s good at.”

— Ruane Grimaldo

Working at Marshalls is helping Sammy become more independent in all aspects of her life.  She’s raising her hand more in the classroom and is beginning to advocate for herself. 

Easterseals Massachusetts is also giving Sammy the practical information and skills she will need to make the transition to adulthood.  She’s a member of the organization’s Youth Leadership Network and plans to attend its Youth Leadership Forum this summer.

The forum is a three-day overnight conference at Bridgewater State University that prepares young adults with disabilities for success as adults.  It will be her first experience with dormitory living and will be a great opportunity for her to develop her social skills.

Ruane believes Easterseals, and especially Ann, have been a positive influence in Sammy’s life. “I feel like Easterseals wants her to succeed,” she said. “It really feels like we’re all in this together.”

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